Meet the StrongHER Women of Fhitting Room

Celebrate International Women’s Day with us as we shine a spotlight on some of the incredible women who power Fhitting Room! We are proud to be a women-founded and led team!
Get ready to meet some of the strongHER women who contribute their dedication and expertise, tirelessly shaping Fhitting Room into the empowering fitness community it is today.

Meet Kari:  Founder + Chief Creative Marketing Officer

What are your favorite women-owned brands?

My favorites include:

• shortyLOVE (I’m totally obsessed with the “Wonder” large crossbody bag)
• Alice + Olivia
• Dr. Marnie (I love both her products + her services)
• McBride Sisters Wine Company (Black Girl Magic rosé is my top pick for summer)
• SWW (Sarah Wragge Wellness) 
• Literie
• Carbon38 

I’d love to also plug some of our peer studio brands that are women-owned / founded and led by some of the smartest women whom I continuously learn from.

• SLT – Amanda Freeman
• Box Union – Felicia Alexander
• Physique57 – Jennifer Maanavi
• Pilates in the Grove – Christa Gurka
• Studio MDR – Lisa Hirsch

And lastly, while it’s not necessarily a brand, I suggest everyone in business (regardless of gender) to read You Should Smile More, an awesome book written by 6 former Pepsi female executives. It’s full of practical advice and lessons presented in bite-size, easy-to-implement actions. I personally know all of the authors and it’s a quick and entertaining read. 

Who is your biggest woman inspiration? 

My grandmother will forever be one of my favorite women to talk about. She was equal parts tiny and tough. She was well under 5’ tall, less than 80 lbs, wore spiked heels well into her 70’s maybe 80’s, walked 6 miles a day until her early 90’s, loved watching baseball, had no college degree, yet did all the bookkeeping for a major insurance company once she was finished raising my mom and her, had a stubborn streak that makes me look easy going, and she had enough pride, love and determination to fill the body of someone at least 100x her size. In my eyes, there was nothing she couldn’t do if she wanted to.

When it comes to business, my last female manager at Pepsi, Lauren, was a huge inspiration. When I worked for Lauren, I was newly engaged. She had three young children, a successful career, and was exceptionally smart and talented. She was living proof that a woman could simultaneously love her job, pursue a career, and be all-in professionally while also loving her family and being a good mother. Watching Lauren juggle – notice I did not say balance –

helped me years later when I decided to start Fhitting Room and parent two young children. PS – Lauren went on to become the President + CEO of DICK’S Sporting Goods. 🎉

Why are you excited to celebrate this month? 

My younger self would have been insulted by the very concept of IWD, believing that women shouldn’t “need” a designated day to be recognized. Not only do women need a special day, we deserve one. As I got older, my eyes opened to just how prevalent gender inequality remains and the need to raise awareness against bias, celebrate women’s achievements, increase visibility, call out inequality, and remind ourselves and the world just how awesome women are.

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?

“The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” — Ayn Rand

“A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Meet Alex C.: FHITpro

What are your favorite women-owned brands?

• Hero Cosmetics
• Coco and Eve
• Briogeo

Who is your biggest woman inspiration?
There are too many to count but Gloria Steinem is up there, Michelle Obama, Coretta King,Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Maya Angelou and athletes like Serena and Venus Williams/ Simone Biles, as well as Meryl Streep and Madonna

Why are you excited to celebrate this month?
I feel like with everything going on in the world women’s rights constantly being a focal point and on the chopping block I’m excited to celebrate the power of women and the fight that we need to continue to have to protect ourselves and our rights. Women are such beautiful complex and strong creatures and deserve equal recognition in society on all levels. Sisterhood to me is so important and Fhitting Room is a female-founded brand that is such a welcoming place/ community for women to foster their growth and strength and I love that.

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?
“There’s something so special about a woman who dominates in a man’s world. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness, and the nerve to never take no for an answer.” ― Rihanna

“Women have always been the strong ones of the world.” ― Coco Chanel

“We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated.” — Maya Angelou

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” ― Serena Williams

Meet Alex: Our Social Media + Content Manager

What are your favorite women-owned brands?

My favorites include:

• Ceremonia (their hair products are all natural and smell amazing!)
• Oat Haus 
• Avaline natural wine

Who is your biggest woman inspiration? 

My mom! She is the most hard working, selfless person with the biggest heart. 

Why are you excited to celebrate this month? 

The month serves as a reminder for ongoing advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality. It prompts discussions on issues that women still face today, promoting awareness and encouraging action for positive change. I once took a Fashion History class in college where I learned how fashion was first used to deter women from being able to work and be economically dependent – and now look at us rocking heels and doing it better! Women’s History Month sends a message that our contributions matter and encourages women to pursue leadership roles, careers, and endeavors with confidence. 

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”

– G.D. Anderson

Meet Elspeth: President

 What are your favorite women-owned brands?  

Anyone who knows me knows that I kick around in the same gear for years and years.. and years.  While I am never in style, what never goes out of style is a great workout.  At the risk of stating the obvious, Fhitting Room is my personal favorite women-founded brand.  

Who is your biggest woman inspiration?

Young activists with remarkable courage and strength like Malala Yousafzai and Greta Thunberg are two that immediately come to mind but there are countless others.

Why are you excited to celebrate this month?

As long as there is still progress to be made, there is a reason to celebrate, reflect, and strategize. 😊

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?

Very tough to choose. “Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”  ― Angela Duckworth, Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance.  There are so many from her book that I love but I find this quote applies to anything worth fighting for, large or small.

Meet Kayla: Graphic Designer

What are your favorite women-owned brands?

One that I love is Kreyol Essence, a haircare brand that does wonders for my hair and also provides economic opportunity to women in Haiti.

Who is your biggest woman inspiration?

Issa Rae! Her passion for her craft is contagious, and she exemplifies pouring your 100% authentic self into what you do and seeing the amazing outcomes unfold.

Why are you excited to celebrate this month?

I’m excited to reflect on the achievements of women, uplift our voices, and acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful differences and nuances between us.

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?

“Am I good enough? Yes, I am.” ― Michelle Obama

Meet Meira: Marketing Manager

What are your favorite women-owned brands?

• Eberjey

• HigherDOSE

• Fishs Eddy

Who is your biggest woman inspiration?

I’m going with a non-traditional answer here. My biggest Inspirations are women who stand up for what they believe in, follow their hearts to the fullest, are passionate about their beliefs and hobbies, and most importantly kind people. I’d say a lot of people in my life are my biggest inspirations – my friends, my family, my colleagues, moms juggling all the things, and the people I see on my weekly runs!

Why are you excited to celebrate this month?

I love seeing and reading about women pushing boundaries, excelling in their careers and my friends making bold and brave choices every day. I think it’s so important to have a month dedicated to strong women everywhere but even more important that we celebrate the small wins and the women in our lives every day.

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?

“Feminism isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” -G.D. ANDERSON

Meet Riley: FHITpro

What are your favorite women-owned brands?
Supergoop for sunscreen products.

Who is your biggest woman inspiration?
My mom! But also my favorite FHIT inspiration this year is Coco Gauff. Watching her win the us open was incredible!

What’s your go-to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman?

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Meet Sierra: Marketing Coordinator

What are your favorite women-owned brands?

• Dagne Dover has the best bags. They’re so durable and are made from recycled plastic. They’re the Mary Poppins bag of all bags too — they fit so much! 
• Chamberlain Coffee has yummy flavors with the cutest graphics! It makes mornings a little brighter. Also, their coffee singles are great if you need something quick/are on the go!

Who is your biggest woman inspiration?

My mama! And my grandma! They are two of the strongest women I know who lead with kindness no matter what. They have a zest for life that is infectious and an ambition to do what brings them and others joy. They know how to listen well and how to persevere with grace when life throws them a curveball. I hope I’m half as cool as they are when I grow up. 

Why are you excited to celebrate this month?

I’m so lucky to work with so many ambitious, intelligent, and lovely women every day here at Fhitting Room who deserve to be celebrating and championed! It’s incredible to learn from them and grow beside them. 

What’s your go to inspirational quote from a remarkable woman 

“Don’t think about making women fit the world — think about making the world fit women.” – Gloria Steinem